Tuesday, 26 April 2016

Little Jobs

I can't decide if this is a fine sight or a worrying one...

Not only was this the first coming together of the two brothers since 671 arrived, this was almost certainly their first meeting in over 40 years. They're likely to have encountered one another in the early 1970s, when both worked on Somerset routes around Taunton; one day, perhaps, we'll find a photo to confirm it.

For now, I'm quite happy with these ones, opportunistically taken in the yard during an essential move around. (Actually, it was deliberately arranged for pure indulgence - nice try, Sheppard.)

Followers of 270KTA.co.uk will know that preparations for the 2016 Penzance Running Day have taken priority in recent weeks. Nonetheless, I've completed a few little jobs on 671 to enable major work to begin in earnest soon. I've fitted a new set of batteries so that I can test the work I'll be doing on the engine (yes - it not only runs, but starts on the button!). 671 arrived with 'leisure' batteries fitted, designed to power utilities in a caravan and not really suitable for firing up Albion EN250 engines...

I've also investigated the excessive exhaust smoke issue (see the video for details!), and suspect that a combination of timing, poor adjustment of the cold-start facility and a worn diaphragm in the injection pump governor is to blame. Having sourced the necessary parts, these will be my first tasks to tackle over the next few weeks.

The keen-eyed will notice the awful make-shift rear number plate has been removed, enabling a template for new glass to be cut. And, for the little it matters at the moment, it's had a good wash...

With a successful Penzance Running Day now in the bag for 420, it's time to get stuck-in. Seeing the mischievous smiles at the top of this post gives much encouragement and reminds me that, after quite a few 'little jobs', even really naughty SUs can eventually be tamed. My early impressions are that 671 may be a little more co-operative than (br)others have been along the way... but that's probably a dangerous thing to say.

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This blog is an ongoing chronicle of the restoration of my 1965 Bristol SUL4A bus.

Here you'll find regular updates on the project and historical info about the bus and its type. If you've ever fancied a restoration project of your own, but don't welcome the expense and strife that comes with it, pop back as often as you like and virtually share in mine.

The restoration will be a thorough process, covering all aspects of the vehicle, so please don't expect a quick result. Instead, you can look forward to a long series of temporary defeats and small victories that hopefully balance in our favour overall and take us ever closer to a result.

This blog is a 'brother' to the long-established 270KTA.co.uk, which follows the adventures of my 1962 Bristol SU coach, brought back to life from a similar state. To balance the woes and elations in each story, I recommend you follow the two in equal measure!

David Sheppard, 2017

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About BDV 252C

BDV 252C (671) is a 1965 Bristol SUL4A saloon, one of 81 such buses built for Western National and Southern National between 1960 and 1966. It is the sole survivor of its batch but is typical of the later SU buses which were so much a part of West Country life for decades.

Bristol's SU-type was a narrow, lightweight chassis designed specifically for use in rural areas. As well as the South West, they found their way to Yorkshire, the Isle of Wight and parts of the Home Counties, albeit in smaller numbers.

671 has a 36-seat body built by Eastern Coachworks of Lowestoft and a 4-cylinder Albion EN250H diesel engine, mounted horizontally underfloor and coupled to a David Brown 5-speed gearbox.

A Brief History

671 spent its entire working life at Western National's Minehead depot, where it was delivered new in March 1965. As well as local Somerset routes, it was a regular performer on Service 260 across the Devon border to Lynton and Lynmouth. As such it would have made thrice-daily journeys up and down the infamous 1 in 4 Porlock Hill!

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Originally operated by a driver/conductor crew, it was adapted for driver-only "Pay as you enter" operation in 1967, with the addition of a driver's cab door and fare taking equipment.

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Repainted into National Bus Company corporate green and white in the early 70s, it remained true to its Minehead stamping ground until withdrawal in August 1978.

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From Western National, 671 passed through the hands of two famous bus dealers, the first being Reverend Green of Weymouth, a practising vicar who also bought and sold buses in surprising quantities! From him, 671 passed to W. Norths of Sherbern-in-Elmet, Yorkshire, where it was one of several SULs inspected for potential use by Northfield Middle School of Thorne near Doncaster. (Photo: Keith W. Platt)

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The school repainted 671 to an approximate version of its original livery and it was used extensively on school outings and field trips. It was replaced by a Bedford coach in 1984, and sold to a market trader in Rawcliffe Bridge, Yorkshire. He used the bus as a mobile sewing workshop, travelling the local area to make clothing alterations. (Photo: Keith W. Platt)

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671 was rescued for preservation by Dennis and Dave Say at the end of 1984, a father and son team who ensured its survival for the next twenty years. Under their ownership it was presented to a high standard and used as a local community bus in Yorkshire, also regularly attending rallies at which it often won the cup.

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Following sale in 2004, it saw a long period of decline and very little love, with several changes in ownership in quick succession. Always stored outside, it deteriorated rapidly both externally and internally, with major water damage to seats and fittings. (Photo: Ken Jones)

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I finally bought 671 in January 2016, after many years of fearing for its future. It was low-loadered to its new home in South Devon in February for restoration to begin. Fortunately, 671 remains mostly complete and represents a good starting point for a thorough restoration - which is what you will read about here.

671 joins a family fleet of five preserved Bristol vehicles, including my own SUL coach which you can read about at www.270KTA.co.uk.

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BDV252C's Owner and Scribe

David Sheppard is 34 and lives in the South West of England. He has been involved in bus and coach preservation for more than 25 years, having helped his father to restore their first bus at the age of seven.

David is a trustee and director of the Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust and a director of NARTM, the National Association of Road Transport Museums, which represents the heritage transport movement to Government departments and agencies, regulators and funding bodies.

A broadcaster by trade, David currently presents a nightly show for BBC South West across their radio stations in the West of England and the Channel Islands.